You would drill before plating anyway but there is an alternative to metal plating from Alsa Corporation. They have a process that leves a mirror quality appearance with a "paint". Unless you have big bucks though the equipment to apply it is quite pricey. Best to find a shop with the equipment. I've seen products with this finish and it truly appears mirror like. Maybe there is someone near you that can do it for you.
I will re-emphasize this is NOT like the so called "chrome" paint you buy at the store! MirraChrome paint is incredible with 95-98% the reflectivity as real chrome!. Their lower cost Chrome FX is about same as "chrome" on most plastic models and modern dashboard "chrome".
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mir...irrachrome.htm
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mir...irra_show1.htm
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/mir...ACHROME-lg.jpg
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/chr...showcase4.html